The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Kwara State Chapter, has embarked on an indefinite strike, effective Monday, August 25, 2025.
The industrial action follows the alleged refusal of the Kwara State Government to implement the Consolidated Judicial Salary Structure (CONJUSS) and review the long-standing salaries of judiciary workers.
In a statement issued by the union’s Public Relations Officer, Aliu Ahmad Gold, JUSUN explained that it had exhausted all available channels of dialogue and negotiation before arriving at the difficult decision to withdraw its services.
According to the union, its members had patiently engaged with both the management of the Kwara State Judiciary and the state government over the years, but their demands have been consistently ignored.
The statement noted that the last salary review for judiciary workers in Kwara State was carried out in 2010, under the administration of former Governor Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
For the past 15 years, no adjustment has been made to reflect prevailing economic realities, despite repeated calls and written reminders.
JUSUN stressed that this neglect has placed judiciary workers at a serious disadvantage compared to their counterparts in other arms of government.
“We deeply regret that the Judiciary, which is a constitutionally recognized and equal arm of government, continues to face such neglect and discrimination.
“While other arms operate with relative ease and enjoy various privileges, judiciary workers are left to struggle with outdated salaries and benefits,” the statement lamented.
The union further argued that the disparity in treatment raises serious questions about fairness, equity, and balance in governance within the state.
It emphasized that addressing such inequities is crucial to ensuring the autonomy, efficiency, and effectiveness of all branches of government.
JUSUN also revealed that it had previously issued several warnings to the state government before resorting to the strike.
These included a 21-day strike notice served between July 25 and August 18, 2025, followed by a seven-day final notice from August 18 to August 25, 2025.
Unfortunately, the union said, all these notices were disregarded, leaving judiciary workers with no option but to down tools.
The union reiterated that its primary demand remains the immediate implementation of the Consolidated Judicial Salary Structure (CONJUSS) in Kwara State and a comprehensive review of salaries and allowances for judiciary workers.
Until these demands are met, the strike, according to JUSUN, will continue indefinitely.